Preston College

Business Case Study

Businesses benefit from Preston Retail experience

Clifton Collectables called upon Preston College and its retail advisor, Helen Crossley to improve the look and feel of the shops to make them more modern and successful in a challenging retail environment.

The shop owners were given tailored workshops by former French Connection franchise area manager, Helen. The workshops focused on how to display goods effectively, the art of window dressing and retail business improvement techniques.

The training proved fruitful for mother and son business partners Margaret and Phil Parkes of Clifton Collectables on Clifton Street.

Phil said: “Our shop is a difficult space to work with due to physical limitations of the building, but Helen helped us see creative ways to utilise space and improve our displays. We now attract a younger customer and have seen sales grow by 20% in some areas due to some of the significant changes we have implemented as a result of these sessions.”

Facchino Handbags called upon Preston College and its retail advisor, Helen Crossley to improve the look and feel of the shops to make them more modern and successful in a challenging retail environment.

Lynne Mellors, owner of Facchino Handbags on Park Street, said: “The training and support from Helen has given us an understanding of how good window dressing and visual merchandising can have an impact on business. It is difficult to re-invent an existing business but I personally feel much more confident in being creative on the shop floor now.”

Helen said: “Both businesses were appealing to us for help in developing their presence and the utilisation of their retail space. We worked with them on improving their window displays and visual merchandising but also took them through the principles of retail business improvement to allow them to flourish in their respective areas.”